Biology
Light Source and intensity effect on photosynthesis
Investigate the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis.
Mission
Investigate the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis
Curriculum Alignment
| Standard | Syllabus code | Topic | Coverage | Grades | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NGSS | HS-LS1-5 | Photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy | Full | 9–12 | |
| British / IGCSE | CAIE 0610 6.1.8 | Effect of varying light intensity on rate of photosynthesis | Full | 9–10 | |
| IB | 2.9 Photosynthesis | Design of experiments to investigate the effect of limiting factors on photosynthesis | Full | 11–12 | |
| CBSE | Class 11 Ch.13 Photosynthesis in Higher Plants | Factors affecting photosynthesis | Partial | 11–11 | |
| AERO / AP | AP Bio 3.4 Photosynthesis; AERO Yr9 AC9S9U03 | Photosynthesis as a light-energy-to-chemical-energy process | Partial | 9–12 |
Variables
What you change
- Light Intensity
What you measure
- Rate of photosynthesis
What you keep constant
- Temperature
- Surface Area Of Leaves
- Leaves From Same Plant
Equations
6CO_2 + 12H_2 O + light → C_6 H_12 O_6 + 6O_2 + 6H_2 O
What You'll Need
- Breadboard 400 Tie Point
- Arduino Uno
- I2C LCD
- Air Quality Sensor MQ135
- LM393 Light Intensity Sensor Module
Estimated Time
Virtual mode 22 minTest mode 32 minExercise mode 29 min
Mind-Blowing Fact
"Seeing" light
In the 1860s, during the laying of the transatlantic telegraph cable, Selenium was used as a resistor in the receiving station. However, it was found to produce inconsistent results when exposed to daylight. It was soon realized that Selenium has the ability to generate a small electric current when exposed to light, which is how we made the first light sensor!
How You Can Run It
Virtual modeTest modeExercise modeView-only modeAccessibility modeTobii eye trackingVoice commandsAmericanBritishIB